Edinson Volquez (5-6, 4.25 ERA) and Carlos Carrasco (2-1, 3.48 ERA) take the hill in the first of a three-game series between the Kansas City Royals (32-30) and the Cleveland Indians (35-27) at Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium. Action begins at 8:15 p.m. ET on Monday, Jun. 13 and can be seen on STOh and FSKC.
Volquez pitched 4.2 innings in his last outing, surrendering four runs, striking out five and walking two in a 4-0 defeat to the Orioles. Eric Hosmer (.318, 32 Rs, 12 HRs, 38 RBIs, 4 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday. Carrasco went 6.2 innings, surrendering four runs, striking out six and walking one in a 5-0 defeat to the Mariners in his most recent start. Mike Napoli (.244, 40 Rs, 14 HRs, 45 RBIs, 2 SBs) has been successful at the plate for the Indians, going 2 for 5 yesterday with one RBI.
Notes
Kansas City has won 44% (12-15) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Cleveland has won 52% (15-14) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Indians managed to give up five walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Royals who are heading in with a 7-2 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Royals are 26-10. The Indians have a 23-5 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 27th in runs, Kansas City has earned 236 this season. Cleveland ranks ninth with 294 runs.
Ranking 17th, Kansas City is in the bottom half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.721). Cleveland ranks in the top half at 14th with an OPS of .735.
The Indians are 21-22 when they allow at least one home run. The Royals perform similarly when they allow one or more homers with a 17-22 record.
